The Bluebirds were linked with the winger earleir this week
Kelly N’Mai of Salford City(Image: Getty Images)
Brian Barry-Murphy has poured cold water over Cardiff City’s reported interest in Salford City winger Kelly N’Mai, insisting the Bluebirds will not be signing the 21-year-old and suggesting the club is being used amid their impressive form this season.
Cardiff were linked with a late move for N’Mai earlier this week, with reports claiming the League One leaders were weighing up further attacking reinforcements as they push towards promotion.
But Barry-Murphy was emphatic when asked about the speculation, making it clear there was no truth to the link.
“He’s not our player — he is a Salford player,” Barry-Murphy said.
“I think the issue always is players can be linked with us, but obviously if they’re linked with us because we’re doing so well, it’s beneficial for them sometimes.
“So I’m conscious before I say we’re not being linked with somebody and then they may or may not secure a move off the back of that link, but we won’t be signing Kelly.
“He’s not our player, so I wouldn’t discuss that now, but we won’t be signing him.”
The speculation came against the backdrop of a strong January for Cardiff, who have focused on quality rather than wholesale changes as they look to secure an immediate return to the Championship.
The Bluebirds have already completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper Harry Tyrer from Everton, while several players have departed on loan or permanently to streamline the squad.
Barry-Murphy’s comments underline Cardiff’s stance as the transfer window enters its final stages, with the manager wary of the club’s name being used as leverage in negotiations elsewhere.
With Cardiff flying high at the top of League One, interest in potential additions is inevitable, but Barry-Murphy appears determined to keep focus on his current group rather than fuel external speculation.
N’Mai, who has enjoyed an impressive rise with Salford over the past two seasons, has previously attracted interest from Championship clubs and has continued to deliver strong numbers this campaign.
However, despite the reported link, Cardiff will not be pursuing a move for the winger as they prepare for the run-in and look to maintain momentum at the summit of the table.
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